Cities of Kyushu

📍 Distances and journey time: Fukuoka International Airport to Central Fukuoka: 30 min

Upon arrival to Fukuoka’s airport, our representative will be waiting to assist with sorting the appropriate transportation into the city.

The remainder of the day is free at leisure to explore Fukuoka independently. 

Overnight in Fukuoka
 

Inclusions:

Today is a self-guided day.

Suggested optional tour: Explore Fukuoka by bike

This morning, set out on a speed cross bike for a pleasant, flat ride through the city of Fukuoka with a local guide. 

The first destination is the Hakata old town, the home of Fukuoka’s two biggest festivals, Hakata Gion Yamakasa and Hakata Dontaku, which the guide can tell stories about. Several temples and shrines are located here, and the guide will offer explanations about the difference of Shinto and Buddhism from a local’s perspective. Continue cycling down backstreets to get a glimpse of local life before arriving in the park housing the ruins of Fukuoka Castle.

Learn about the history of the town at the Korokan Historical Museum and enjoy the seasonal atmosphere of the pleasant Ohori Park before reaching the seaside. Take a spin along the coast, refreshed by the sea breeze.

After the cycling, recover energy with a delicious ramen lunch in a local restaurant. Hakata ramen is of the tonkotsu variety (pork bone broth ramen), which originated in the city and is now considered by many to be the best ramen in Japan.

Return the bikes and part ways with the guide. Continue exploring Fukuoka on foot or return to the hotel.

Time (approximation):
Start: 09:00 
Duration: 4.5 h

Overnight in Fukuoka 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Distances and journey time: Hakata Station to Arita Station: 1h Arita Station to Nagasaki Station: 1h

Proceed to Arita Station where the guide awaits to begin the stroll through quaint streets. Take in key landmarks such as the Izumiyama Quarry, the original source of kaolin clay that sparked Japan’s porcelain revolution. Admire the rustic tombai walls made from recycled kiln bricks and pause at the elegant Tozan Shrine, dedicated to the guardians of ceramics and featuring a unique porcelain torii gate.

Stop for lunch at a local spot that combines local gastronomy with Arita’s porcelain design.

In the afternoon, dive deeper into Arita craftsmanship with a visit to the renowned Kouraku Kiln to learn about the production process during a guided factory tour. After, take part in a fun ‘treasure hunting’ experience, rummaging through warehouses full of bins stocked with forgotten antique porcelain pieces. Pick some favorites to take home as perfect souvenirs of this visit.

Return to Arita Station and take the train to Nagasaki.

Time (guided tour):
Start: 11:00 
Duration: 5.5 h

Overnight in Nagasaki

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Begin the day at the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park, where powerful exhibits and memorials provide deep insights into Nagasaki’s tragic past and inspiring recovery. 

Next, continue to Glover Hill, where western-style buildings and port views offer a more lighthearted vibe. See Oura Church, Japan’s oldest standing Christian church and a symbol of the influence of European missionaries in Nagasaki. Then, step into the enchanting Glover Garden, an open-air museum showcasing elegant Western-style residences offering panoramic views of the city.

Next stop is the well-preserved Dejima Island foreign settlement, once Japan’s only window to the world during the Edo period. Unlike any other site in Japan, the enclave serves as a time capsule for an era when Japan was cautiously opening up to the west.

Conclude the journey at Megane Bridge, an iconic stone bridge known for its charming double-arched reflection on the Nakashima River. The tour balances meaningful historical exploration with moments of scenic tranquility, making for a well-rounded and memorable experience in Nagasaki.

Time (guided tour):
Start: 09:00 
Duration: 8h

Overnight in Nagasaki
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Distances and journey time: Nagasaki Station to Kumamoto Station: 2h

Today is a self-guided day.

Take the train to Kumamoto, located on a plain surrounded by Ariake Sea on the west and the Kyushu Central Mountains to the east. After check-in, choose to enjoy the day at leisure, exploring central Kumamoto on foot or with the use of its tram to see Kumamoto Castle and Shuizen-ji Joju-en Garden.

Overnight in Kumamoto
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Begin by changing into traditional martial arts attire, with guidance to ensure ease and comfort. Enjoy matcha tea and Japanese sweets in a serene tatami room while learning about the philosophy of iaido and the spiritual teachings of the Niten Ichiryu style.  

Witness a mesmerising sword demonstration by the master before moving to the dojo for hands-on training. 

Practice the basics of Iaido using an imitation sword, learning precision, intention and mindfulness under the master's careful guidance. The session goes beyond techniques, emphasising the spiritual connection between the practitioner and the art. 

At the end of the session, receive a certificate of completion and have the opportunity to take commemorative photos.

Time:
Start (activity): TBA
Duration: 2h

Overnight in Kumamoto 
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Distance and journey time (approximation): Kumamoto Station to Kagoshima Station: 1h

Today is a self-guided day.

Today, head by train to the city of Kagoshima, which flourished as a castle town around the residence of
the Shimazu feudal lords.

Upon arrival at the accommodation, feel free to explore the surrounding areas.

Overnight in Kagoshima
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Reach the Ibusuki Station, a coastal town known for its unique sand steam baths. Meet a local guide and learn about this special wellness practice. Dressed in a light yukata, gently sink into the warm volcanic sand as the natural geothermal heat promotes relaxation and well-being. After this rejuvenating experience, continue by private car to Unagi Onsen Village, a hidden hot spring town surrounded by lush nature.

Take a guided stroll through the village, learning about its rare geothermal features and the local traditions shaped by the natural hot springs. Along the way, discover how the region's steaming waters have been an essential part of daily life for centuries. After exploring, enjoy a special lunch prepared using the village's natural steam cooking methods, savouring the delicate flavors infused by the region’s volcanic energy.

After the meal, take in the peaceful atmosphere of Unagi Onsen before returning to Ibusuki Station. Part ways with the guide and head back to Kagoshima independently.

Time:
Start (guided tour): 11:00
Duration: 6h

Overnight in Kagoshima
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Distance and journey time (approximation): Kagoshima Station to Hakata Station: 1h 15min

Return by train to Fukuoka for one last unforgettable experience in the late afternoon. The experience begins with a warm welcome by a Hakata maiko, the graceful apprentice practitioners of the traditional arts. The atmosphere of old Japan is evoked through a private performance of classical Japanese dance followed by traditional ozashiki asobi (parlor games), offering insight into the refined arts of hospitality cultivated over generations. 

Continue with a traditional tea ceremony, providing a moment of quiet contemplation and a deeper understanding of Japanese aesthetics and etiquette.

Following the indoor programme, the experience moves outside to the nearby docks where guests board a traditional wooden boat, still in the company of the graceful maiko. The Hakata River cruise provides a tranquil perspective of the city, passing historical landmarks and vibrant districts. By day, the gentle riverside atmosphere delights; by night, the water reflects the shimmering lights of the modern city, providing a perfect conclusion to the day’s cultural exploration.

Time:
Start (experience): 16:50
Duration: 2h

Overnight in Fukuoka
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Distances and journey time: Central Fukuoka to Fukuoka International Airport: 30 min

The rest of the day is at leisure until departure from Fukuoka International Airport.

 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast